Semen copper in normal and infertile subjects

Summary Concentration of copper in seminal plasma was found to be less than that of normal in cases of oligospermia and azoospermia. It was more in oligoasthenospermia and asthenospermia when compared with that normal. Chances of initiation of sperm motility by copper is discussed alongwith the inhibitory role it plays.Acknowledgment. Authors are thankful to Dr. A. R. N. Setalwad, Assistant Professor in Preventive and Social Medicine for the statistical analysis of the study he did.     

Alloantigens directed by the SL-A region control the mixed lymphocyte reaction in swine]

Immunizations between a pig bearing a recombined SL-A haplotype and related animals revealed serological defined antigens under the MLR region control. These antigens seemed to be carried by all types of lymphocytes so far studied, but with large quantitative differences. The blood nonadherent on nylon fiber lymphocytes carried very few antigens and platelets none at all. The data are compatible with the assumption that these newly discovered antigens are equivalent to the mouse Ia antigens.     

Smooth muscle cells in ‘venous patches’ grafted into the rat common carotid artery. A structural study

Summary In the 2nd week after surgery, well differentiated smooth muscle cells (SMC) were evident in the walls of venous patches in rat common carotid artery. Gap junctions were the only type of intercellular junction observed between SMC in the present study.In memoriam to Prof. J. Cabré Piera.Acknowledgment. The LKB IV ultramicrotome was purchased with a grant from the Banco Urquijo, Madrid (Spain). Authors are also grate to M. Guerricabeitia for technical assistance.     

X-ray diffraction of the collagen contained in blood vessels]

An X-ray diffraction study has been undertaken on Human and Rabbit blood-vessels. Vessels are stretched 500% and the diagrams present a great analogy with those obtained from collagen. Thus, it appears, that it is possible to determine by X-Rays some pathological anomalies of the collagen in vessels.